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Common Cat Care Mistakes

March 1, 2018

Cats have many charming qualities. One of the best things about kitties is the fact that they are easy to care for. However, our feline pals aren’t quite as independent or aloof as they like to make us think. Fluffy actually needs quite a bit of TLC to stay happy and healthy. In this article, a Marietta, GA vet lists some common cat care mistakes.

Not Enough Entertainment

We know, cats love sleeping. However, even the drowsiest feline can’t sleep all the time. Make sure Fluffy has plenty of entertainment options to amuse herself with when she is awake. Kitties can get bored, anxious, and stressed with nothing to do!

Overfeeding

When it comes to food, many cats have their owners firmly wrapped around their paws. If Fluffy is getting pudgy, but has you trained to feed her on demand, you may want to revisit your furball’s dietary regime. Chubby cats may be cute, but they face some very serious health risks! Ask your vet for specific advice.

Punishment

Kitties aren’t purrfect, any more than we are. Fluffy has a few habits that don’t always go over well with her humans, such as scratching inappropriately and playing rough. However, you should never punish your pet for misbehaving. Because cats act according to instinct, this may just scare your furball, or make her anxious. Instead, focus on rewarding your kitty for behaving well. Ask your vet for more information.

Letting Fluffy Roam

Kitties are quite adventurous by nature, and often love to explore. Fluffy also enjoys fun outdoor sports like leaving paw prints on your car and refusing to come in when called. However, your cute pet will be both safer and healthier staying indoors. As soon as your cat sets her paws outside, she is exposed to some very serious dangers, such as cars, weather, and predators.

Lack of Veterinary Care

Last but not least, a lack of veterinary care is a common issue with kitties. Many of our feline patients don’t see us anywhere near as often as they should! We recommend that all cats be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept current on exams, vaccinations, and parasite control. It’s also important to contact your vet right away if you notice signs of sickness.